Saint Louis Mo.

Dec 10 1872

 

My dear Mother

                        Your letter of the 26^th of Nov. came to hand some days ago and I delayed in answering it as Ella was sick week before last and as soon as was well I was taken ill and have been quite sick but to day am all right and will be to work again tomorrow. We are having a great deal of sickness in St Louis. the small pox has been very bad for the past five months and I don't it as yet decreasing any, and smaller ills here without number, and sometimes think St Louis is anything but healthy. / The "Epigootic" or Horse disease is here in full force and nearly every horse has it there is none of the street cars running no hacks and but one or two omnibuses from the Hotels. The baggage of people traveling are taken to and fro by ox-teams and the people walk to the depot.

 

A good many drive one ox in a wagon with a harness the same as a horse and guide them with lines. The only difference is the put the collar on the ox bottom side up. it is really laughable to see the different way they rig up the poor oxen here.

 

Coal has been very high here / all the fall. it usualy costs about 10 or 12 cts a bushel and it has been up to 25^¢ the past month but to night they are charging 50^¢ a bush. for it and God only knows how high it will go as there is very little in town and this is a fearfull cold night. it seems like the poor people must freeze for they cannot buy coal. it is said there has never been so much suffering amongst the poor in St Louis as at present with no prospects of relief but a long winter

 

            Am glad to hear that you are all so well at home and that Sarah is getting along so nicely. I did hope to go home this winter but am kept very busy all the time and it is almost impossible for / me to get away. It seems a long time to me Mother since I have been home and I can assure at least it wont be many months before I will go home and give you a good visit

 

Am glad father is getting along so well with the store. what became of Gurnett. How is fathers horses did he lose any Ell joins with me in sending love to father and sisters and trust this finds you all well

 

I remain with kindest

love your aff Son

C. H. Burdick

No 12 North 4^th St.

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